Hockey: New Zealand draw champions in cup

LONDON - New Zealand found themselves in the same pool as Olympic champions the Netherlands when the draw for the 2002 men's World Cup was announced yesterday.

New Zealand were the final qualifier of 16 teams for the cup, finishing seventh in Edinburgh last month.

International Hockey Federation president Els van Breda Vriesman said the pools had been composed in accordance with ranking procedures and tournament regulations.

For the World Cup, to be held in Kuala Lumpur from February 24 to March 9, New Zealand have drawn Spain and Belgium, both teams they played in Edinburgh.

Spain won 3-1 in Scotland, and New Zealand drew with Belgium 1-1.

Germany, winners of this year's Sultan Aslan Shah Cup, are also in the pool.

Pools (world ranking in brackets):

Pool A: Netherlands (1), Pakistan (4), Germany (5), Argentina (8), Spain (9), South Africa (12), Belgium (13), New Zealand (16).

Pool B: Korea (2), Australia (3), England (6), Cuba (7), Malaysia (10), Poland (11), India (14), Japan (15).

* The New Zealand women drew 0-0 with China in the Champion's Trophy in Amstelveen yesterday, and are still without a win.

After conceding six goals to defending champions and hosts the Netherlands, the inexperienced Black Sticks' defence held well against China.

The draw lifted New Zealand from the foot of the table, after the other tournament tailender, Spain, lost 0-2 to Argentina.

New Zealand will play Argentina early tomorrow.

They need to win and have China lose to retain any chance of making the top four.

When the teams met at the Sydney Olympics, Argentina won 7-1.

- NZPA